You can find lots of different medications at your local drugstore, but where do you find the one for treating your sexual dysfunction? You might be surprised by what you can actually buy at your neighborhood retail pharmacy.
Although the vast majority of pharmacists will prescribe a drug that treats erectile dysfunction, there are times when they might not even know what product to send you home with. That’s where things get a little bit tricky. Are you supposed to go with the generic substitute, which is usually less expensive, or the original branded product, which has a more prominent advertising campaign? Do you need to do some research before you buy?
Let’s dive into the available options at your local drugstore and see how the process works
Cialis
Cialis (cinacalcet) is a medication approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by relaxing the muscles in the penis so that you can achieve an erection when stimulated. Because it is a relatively new drug, there aren’t a ton of studies about its long-term safety. However, it has been shown to be relatively safe when used as directed.
The most common side effect is headache, which occurs in about 15% of people taking the medication. About 5% of people taking Cialis experience nausea, while about 3% experience dizziness. These are the most common side effects of Cialis, but as with any medication, there are varying levels of severity.
Viagra
Viagra (sildenafil) is another drug approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction. It too works by relaxing the muscles in the penis so that you can achieve an erection under the right conditions. However, it was originally designed to be taken orally, as a tablet or a pill. The benefits of oral Viagra include the ability to discreetly self-medicate without having to ask anyone’s permission first.
The most common side effect of Viagra is headache, which occurs in about 15% of people taking the medication. About 5% of people taking Viagra experience nausea, while about 3% experience dizziness. These are the most common side effects of Viagra, but as with any medication, there are varying levels of severity.
Levitra Or Vardenafil
These are both FDA-approved medications for treating erectile dysfunction. Unlike Viagra and Cialis, they both come in a variety of different forms, including a gel, a syrup, and a tablet. The most common side effect of all of these products is headache, which occurs in about 15% of people taking the medication. About 5% of people taking the medications experience nausea, while about 3% experience dizziness. These are the most common side effects of all three products, but again, as with any medication, there are varying levels of severity for each reaction.
Injectables
Injectables are another type of medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. They were originally designed to be injected into the penis, although now there are creams and gels that can be applied to the skin of the penis that deliver similar results. One of the most popular injectable medications is the prostaglandin E1 analog Cialis, which is often marketed under the trade name of Staxyn.
The benefits of injected Cialis are that it can be administered in a variety of ways, including to people who might have trouble taking pills or capsules. The side effects of injected Cialis are generally the same as those experienced with oral or pill-form medication. Headache, nausea, and dizziness are the most common, although there are cases where people have experienced heart problems and liver disorders as a result of the medication.
The Difference In Price
All of these medications are available at your local drugstore and command a pretty high price tag. The cheapest of the available options is Cialis, which retails for about $5 a day, or about $30 for a 30-day supply. Oral Viagra is about twice the price, retails for about $12 a day, or about $60 for a 30-day supply. The most expensive option by far is Staxyn, which retails for about $20,000 per year, or about $130 per month, plus applicable taxes.
Which One Should You Buy?
There are a lot of considerations to make when choosing which medication to take for erectile dysfunction. One of the most important things to consider is how you are supposed to take the medication. Does it need to be swallowed whole? Do you need to break it into pieces beforehand? Do you need to take it with food? It’s also important to find out how effective the medication is for you, when you feel it will be most effective, and what the short- and long-term effects of the drug are. Do some research, read reviews, and think about all the factors that make up your personal situation before you make a decision.